Sergio Merino and Asonave Discuss Operational Challenges of San Antonio

The National Association of Ship Agents of Chile (Asonave) received a protocol visit from the chairman of the board of the San Antonio Port Company (EPSA), Sergio Merino Gómez, who was accompanied by the acting general manager, Fernando Gajardo Vásquez. The conversation focused on the operation of the Port of San Antonio and the challenges it faces.

The meeting was led by Asonave's president, Gonzalo Fernández Alzola, and the organization's executive vice president, Claudio Morales Vergara. During the meeting, topics such as future port concessions, the development of the Outer Port, and various issues currently affecting the operation of the country's main port were discussed.

Gonzalo Fernández stated that "we are very grateful that they considered us for this meeting. Sergio Merino is beginning his tenure as chairman of the board, and for us, it was important to share our perspective on the challenges ahead for San Antonio."

The president of the organization explained that the conversation allowed them to bring to the table issues that concern the companies represented by Asonave and that are part of the daily operation of the port.

"We had a very interesting conversation. We were able to present some of the difficulties we face as ship agents, and we found a very good reception. The important thing is to keep these dialogue spaces open, especially when such relevant processes as new concessions and the Outer Port are approaching," added Fernández.

A similar view was expressed by Asonave's executive vice president, Claudio Morales Vergara, who valued the port company's willingness to listen to the different actors involved in maritime-port activity.

"Their coming to talk with us demonstrates an interest in understanding how we see the operation from our role. We received it as a very good sign and with every willingness to collaborate on anything that contributes to improving the port's functioning," said Morales.

The vice president of Asonave added that the challenge now will be to support these proposals with concrete background information and affirmed that "our commitment is to provide information and data that allow us to identify where difficulties arise. This perspective must include all actors in the logistics chain, because problems do not always have a single origin."

Meanwhile, the head of EPSA, Sergio Merino, explained that the purpose of this round of meetings is to gather the vision of those involved in port activity and to move forward based on objective information.

"We want to understand what their main challenges are and see in what we can help as a port authority. We have asked them that any proposal be supported by data, because that is the best way to analyze issues and seek solutions," Merino stated.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to maintain permanent communication and continue creating working spaces between both institutions.